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- Visa Options
If you think that you want to stay and work in the United States after completing your undergraduatedegree, make sure that you know your visa requirements and restrictions. Navigating the American immigration processis often stressful and confusing because there are as many visas as there are letters in the alphabet. Theeligibility requirements and legal rulings are constantly changing, which does not make the process any easier.
Here are a few of the most common options applicable to graduates. For a full list of all non-immigrant andimmigrant visas, visit VisasToUSA.com where you can view other types of visas that may be applicable to you. Youwill also be able to have your immigration questions answered for free via email by an immigration attorney.
- Practical Training on an F1 Visa
- Non-Immigrant H3 Visa (Trainee)
- Non-Immigrant H-1B Visa Specialty Occupation
- Non-Immigrant R-1 Visa Religious Worker
- Non-Immigrant E1/E2 Visa
- Non-Immigrant L-1 Visa
- Non-Immigrant Obtaining a Green Card
- Employment Based Immigration
Practical Training on an F1 Visa
An F1 student is generally entitledup to one year of post-completion practical training. Authorization for this type of practical training may begranted for a maximum of 12 months and starts once you have graduated or completed your course of study.
Speak to the international students department of your university to get the necessary forms to apply. They willinform you of the different practical training options available to you. Find out about your practical trainingoptions when you start to study so you can adequately prepare for the future.
Non-Immigrant H-3 Visa (Trainee)
An H-3 trainee visa is suited to those individuals who do not have appropriate education or work experience. It isfor those who would like to come to the U.S. to train in a particular field with the intention of transporting theknowledge and training back to their home country upon completion of their visa. The H-3 visa is valid for 2 yearsand cannot be extended or transferred to H-1B/L-1 status. To qualify for an H-3 visa, the applicant needs to securetraining from a U.S. employer who has an established training program.
Non-Immigrant H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupation)
The minimum requirements for obtaining this classification are: (1) a U.S. employer to sponsor the applicant, (2) aU.S. Bachelors Degree or its equivalent, and (3) a correlation between the job duties and the applicant’s educationand work experience. In addition to the above requirements, it is also necessary to obtain an approval of a laborcondition attestation from the Department of Labor prior to filing the H-1B petition with the Immigration &Naturalization Service. A LCA is required to ensure that foreign workers are not exploited by U.S. employers and arepaid the same salaries and obtain the same benefits as their American counterparts.
The H-1B is granted for an initial period of 3 years and can be extended for an additional 3 years, but cannot beextended beyond 6 years. Spouses and minor children automatically obtain H-4 visas, which entitle them to accompanythe applicant to the U.S. and to attend school, but not work, in the U.S.
Non-Immigrant R-1 Visa (Religious Worker)
The R-1 religious worker category is designed for ministers, persons working in a professional capacity in areligious occupation, or persons working for a religious organization in a religious occupation. The applicant mustdemonstrate that he/she had been a member of the religious denomination for at least 2 years preceding theapplication. Initial admission is for 3 years with an extension of up to 2 years. The U.S. employer is required todemonstrate that it has tax exemption status.
Non-Immigrant E-1/E-2 Visa (Treaty Trader/Treaty Investor)
Certain countries have entered into treaties with the United States, which allows their nationals to obtain treatytrader/treaty Investor visas. A fundamental requirement for an E-1 visa is that at least 51% of the company’s trademust be between the U.S. and the treaty country. An E-2 visa requires a "substantial investment" to bemade into a new or existing enterprise. Managers, executives and other essential employees are eligible for thesevisas. The visa is usually granted for a 5-year period with 2-year increments upon each entry. It is possible toextend these visas as long as there is a need for the individual to direct and control the U.S. enterprise and theconcern remains viable.
Non-Immigrant L-1 Visa (Intracompany Transfer)
The L-1 intracompany transferee visa is used for companies abroad who have offices in the U.S. and would like totransfer certain employees here on temporary employment assignments. This visa is designed for managers andexecutives (maximum admission: 7 years) or people possessing specialized knowledge (maximum admission: 5 years).
If the U.S. subsidiary is a newly established office, the applicant will only be admitted for an initial period of 1year. It is possible to apply for extensions, which must be accompanied by documentation showing major businessactivity or future business activity and an increase in personnel. It is possible to apply for permanent residencythrough this category as a multinational executive/manager.
Non-Immigrant Obtaining a "Green Card"
A person granted permanent residency ("green card status") is permitted to reside and work in the U.S.Depending on their classification, an immigrant may be eligible to file for U.S. citizenship either three years orfive years from date of acquiring permanent residency (providing they are not otherwise deemed ineligible).
There are four main categories under which it is possible to acquire permanent residency status in the U.S. Theeasiest and quickest way is through a family relationship where the petitioner is either a U.S. citizen or permanentresident. The other categories involve employment sponsorship, diversity immigrants and refugees and asylees.
You might also take your chances with the Green Card Lottery.
The most common asked question from graduates is: “How do we get a green card through employment?”
Employment-Based Immigration
If you want to get a job in the US, you'll need a perfect resume.Visit our Resume Writing Center
To obtain an employment-based immigrant visa, there is usually a requirement that an applicant applies and obtainslabor certification. This process, designed to ensure that no qualified U.S. workers exist for the position, isoften difficult and can take several years to complete (depending on jurisdiction). It is therefore desirable toapply under an alternative category, which lacks this labor certification requirement. Most graduates will fallunder:
First Preference: Priority Workers
This category includes the following: (a) persons of extraordinary ability in sciences, art, education, business orathletics; (b) outstanding professors and researchers, and (c) multinational executives and managers.
Under the extraordinary ability subcategory above, the applicant does not require a job offer and the application canbe processed fairly expeditiously. Only those applicants who have reached the top of their field can apply underthis category and must intend to continue to work in the particular area of extraordinary ability. In addition, theapplicant must show that his or her entry will benefit the U.S.
Under the category of outstanding professors and researchers, the standards are more lenient. However, the applicantmust have three years of teaching or research experience, as well as a job offer for a permanent position from anappropriate U.S. institution. No Labor Certification application is required for this category.
Multinational Executives and Managers
In order to qualify for permanent residence under this category, managers or executives of companies must have beenemployed for one of the three years preceding their transfer to the United States. Additionally, their employment atthe overseas company must have been in an executive or managerial capacity. The U.S. sponsoring employer must alsohave been in existence for at least one year and the overseas company must be operating.
Note: If an applicant obtains an L-1B Intracompany visa (based on their specialized knowledge) labor certificationwill be necessary.
Second Preference: Advanced Degree Professions / Exceptional Ability
Members of the professions holding advanced degrees (e.g. masters degrees or bachelors degrees, plus five years ofwork experience) or aliens of Exceptional Ability. Although Labor Certification is usually required, it is possibleto obtain a waiver, if it can be shown that the applicant’s employment will be in the "national interest".
Third Preference: Labor Certification
This category usually requires a Labor Certification except in certain cases. Three separate subcategories exist:
- Professionals (with a Bachelors Degree);
- Individuals performing a job requiring two years of education, experience or training;
- Other workers.
Fourth Preference: Special Immigrants
This category is designed for "special immigrants" and is limited to 10,000 visas per year. Certainreligious workers qualify under this category, which does not require Labor Certification.
Fifth Preference: Employment Creation - Investors
This category allows for two-year conditional residency for people who invest either $1 million (or $500,000 inunderdeveloped areas or areas of high unemployment) in a new commercial enterprise that employs 10 U.S. citizens orpermanent residents on a full-time basis and manages the business on a day-to-day basis.
The applicant can either create an original business or the purchase of an existing business, which results in a newcommercial enterprise, or the expansion of an existing business so that its net worth or employees increase by 40%.
The investment can be a combination of cash, equipment, inventory, but an unsecured promissory note is unacceptable.Multiple investors are acceptable, but each investor must independently meet the capital and employee requirements.
If you are a current student interested in working in the US, check outour Working in the USpage.
Graduation
Related Content:
FAQs
Can I get permanent visa in USA after graduation? ›
A B-1/B-2 visa holder cannot be granted permanent residence, but can apply for a green card while holding this visa and it potentially offers another way for international student work in US after graduation. The maximum amount of time issued for this visa is 180 days and allows multiple entries into the US.
How long can I stay in USA after graduation? ›On your F-1 visa, you can only stay in the United States for 60 days after your graduation date, so it's in your best interests to start planning for your course of action well before you graduate. In this article, we'll explain seven options to extend your stay in the United States after you graduate.
Can I go to USA after graduation? ›Yes, international students can stay in the United States after they graduate to sort of experience the job market. All majors are eligible to receive one year of OPT - optional practical training in which they can stay working for one year with a work permit.
How many years is F1 visa valid for? ›They get a CR-1 visa that is valid for 2 years. If the couple stays married for those two years, the foreign partner can change their status. They can go from the conditional status into a permanent one and get the Green Card.
Is getting a PR in USA difficult? ›Austria, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, and the United States are five nations that make it especially difficult for foreigners to establish permanent residency or obtain citizenship.
Can students on F1 visa work? ›F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
How can I convert F1 visa to H1B? ›- Find an H1B Sponsoring Employer. ...
- File an H1B Petition. ...
- File for a Cap-Gap Extension. ...
- File a Labor Condition Application. ...
- Complete Form I-129. ...
- Submit Required Documents. ...
- Need a Loan? ...
- Rohit Mittal.
Yes, absolutely. If students graduate in an undergraduate or a graduate degree program, they are eligible for the optional practical training opt, which allows the students to remain in the U.S. for one year, working in any area of their studies.
Can students stay in USA after graduation? ›Yes, absolutely. If students graduate in an undergraduate or a graduate degree program, they are eligible for the optional practical training opt, which allows the students to remain in the U.S. for one year, working in any area of their studies.
How can I convert my student visa to work permit in USA? ›- Initial Steps: Determining H-1B Eligibility And Submitting The Labor Condition Application. ...
- Registering to Submit an H-1B Petition. ...
- Preparing Supporting Documentation for H-1B Petition. ...
- Preparing Required Forms and Filing Fees to Send USCIS. ...
- Filing the H-1B Petition With USCIS.
Can I file Green Card without H-1B? ›
It is also possible to apply for your Green Card without an H-1B visa, but getting a Green Card is a long process and having an H-1B visa makes the process a lot easier.
How can I settle in USA after study? ›- OPT – Optional Practical Training. Certain science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, qualify for a two-year extension of OPT. ...
- Apply for a Non-Immigrant Work Visa. ...
- Apply for a Green Card.
In most cases, it takes about two years for a green card to become available, and the entire process takes around three years. It can take slightly longer for citizens of Mexico, China, India, and the Philippines.
What is F1 visa in USA? ›What Is a F-1 Visa? The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Can I change my F1 visa to green card? ›One option for students who are in the U.S. on F-1 visas and wish to become Green Card holders is to apply for an EB-1 visa, also known as first-preference employment-based visas. This means going from F-1 to Green Card through employment.
How much does an F1 visa cost? ›An F1 visa permits overseas students to study full-time at an institution in the United States that is part of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). F1 visa applications cost roughly $510, and you should apply at least three months before the start date of your course.
How much bank balance is required for US student visa? ›Cost. While there are no rules requiring a minimum bank balance to apply for a student visa for the USA from India, it costs approximately $500 USD to obtain your F-1 student visa.
What is the easiest visa to get for US? ›For many, a "B" visitor visa is the easiest and most appropriate one to get. (See 8 U.S. Code §? 1101.) The B visa a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2).
Which country is hardest to get visa? ›- Russia.
- Cuba.
- Iran.
- Turkmenistan.
- Chad.
- Bhutan.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Afghanistan.
If you qualify as an immediate relative, you may only have to wait as little as two months to get a green card. Who qualifies as an immediate relative? Spouses of U.S. citizens, children under 21 years of age whose parents are U.S. citizens, and the parents of children who are U.S. citizens over 21 are all eligible.
Is there an age limit for F1 visa? ›
F-1 Student Visa Application - Is There An Age Limit? - YouTube
What is the difference between I-20 and F-1 visa? ›The Form I-20 lists your program start date, 30 days before which you are allowed to enter the United States. F-1 and M-1 student visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your course of study start date.
What is f2 visa in USA? ›The spouse and unmarried minor children (under age 21) of the F-1 student may be admitted into the U.S. in F-2 classification, if each dependent presents a SEVIS Form I-20 issued in his or her own name and an F-2 visa.
How hard is it to get a H-1B visa? ›How Difficult Is It To Get an H1B Visa? H1B visa requirements can be difficult to meet because you must first be hired by a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor you. Competition for jobs in the United States is fierce, and demand for visas to enter the US grows daily.
How long does it take to get Green Card after H-1B? ›Most H-1B holders have to wait approximately two years after filing the family sponsorship form before they can continue the process by filing their green card application. IMPORTANT: Once you've filed Form I-485, you should obtain a travel permit before taking any trips outside the United States.
How can H-1B get Green Card? ›Your employer must file a Green Card through H1B visa petition on your behalf, including a PERM Labor Certification, an Application for Employment Certification and an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (form I-140).
How long can I stay in the US without a job? ›You can stay in the US for 60 days if you lose your H1-B job. USCIS allows a grace period of up to 60 days for non-immigrant workers in E-1, E-2, E-3, H1B, H1B1, L-1, O-1, and TN status.
What is j1 visa in USA? ›The J-1 exchange visitor visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs designated by the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Q-1 visa is for participation in certain international cultural exchange programs.
What is F4 visa in us? ›The F4 visa is a fourth category Preference Relative visa designed for the siblings of U.S. citizens, their spouses, and unmarried children under the age of 21. To be eligible to sponsor a sibling for an immigrant visa, the U.S. citizen must be at least 21 years old and have a valid address in the United States.
How can a student become a U.S. citizen? ›- Step 1: Graduate and Work on OPT. ...
- Step 2: Transition from OPT with H-1B. ...
- Step 3: Apply for Permanent Resident while on H1B. ...
- Step 4: Green Card to Citizenship.
How long is H1B visa valid? ›
The H-1B is a Specialty Occupation work authorization visa with a cumulative maximum duration of 6 years. The initial period of stay for those in H-1B status is three (3) years, with extensions available for up to three (3) years thereafter.
Who can sponsor me in USA? ›| Who Can Sponsor Who | |
|---|---|
| Who You Are | Immigrants You Can Petition |
| U.S. citizen (at least age 18, for financial sponsorship purposes) | Minor, unmarried children |
| U.S. citizen | Married children or adult children |
| U.S. citizen age 21 or older | Brothers and sisters |
To obtain H-1-B visas without a sponsor, you must first apply to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You must submit information about your education and job duties, as well as a resume.
Can an F1 visa holder work after graduation? ›Optional Practical Training (OPT) International students in the U.S. in valid F1 immigration status are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status both during and after completion of their degree.
How many types of student visa are there in USA? ›The United States government offers three student visa types including F, J, and M. Before you can apply for an F, J, or M student visa, you must first apply and be accepted by a U.S. institution of higher education that is certified by the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP).
How can I change my US student visa to permanent residency? ›- Self-petitioning as a person of extraordinary ability.
- Receiving employer sponsorship.
- Adjusting status to a dual-intent visa.
- Becoming an investor.
- Marrying a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
They must have physically lived in the United States for at least three years since receiving a U visa. They must not have left the United States from the time they applied for a green card until USCIS has approved (or denied) their application.
How many Indians get PR in USA? ›That means no more than 9,800 Indian citizens can be admitted as permanent residents a year under the employment-based green card category.
What country is the easiest to get citizenship? ›Italian citizenship by descent is one of the easiest to obtain. You may be eligible for citizenship if you have Italian heritage. To acquire citizenship, you must have an ancestor who was a citizen of Italy on March 17th, 1861 or was born in the country after that.
What are the requirements for j1 visa? ›In order to be eligible, participants must be between the ages of 15 and 18.5 by the first day of school. They must not have completed more than 11 years of primary and secondary school (excluding kindergarten), and they must not have previously participated in a secondary school exchange program in the US.
What is F3 visa in USA? ›
The F3 visa is a family-based Green Card that is part of the 'Preference Relative' category of US family visas. This visa is for the married child of a U.S. citizen and the spouse and children of the married child. Contact our immigration team on +1 844 290 6312.
What is F-1 and F2 visa? ›The F visa is classified into F1 and F2 visas. F1 visas are used by non-immigrant students for Academic and Language training Courses. The F2 visas are used by the dependents of F1 visa holders. Spouse and unmarried, minor children are said to be the dependents of the F1 visa holder.
Can Indian students get PR in USA? ›An individual may apply for Permanent Residency in the United States through a variety of means, including: sponsorship by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative. an offer of permanent employment. an application for asylum.
Can I work in US after completing my studies? ›If you're studying in the U.S. for at least one full academic year, you may be eligible to receive OPT at graduation. OPT stands for Optional Practical Training and is a 12-month extension to your F-1 status. This extension allows you to look for work in the U.S. that's related to your area of study.
Is it easy to get PR in USA for international students? ›The employer must petition for you to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and get approval. For the nonimmigrant visas, the F-1 student cannot self-petition. Only the employer can start the process. After getting the dual intent visa, the international student can try to apply for the Green Card.
How many years does it take to get a Green Card in USA? ›In most cases, it takes about two years for a green card to become available, and the entire process takes around three years. It can take slightly longer for citizens of Mexico, China, India, and the Philippines.
How much bank balance is required for U.S. student visa? ›Cost. While there are no rules requiring a minimum bank balance to apply for a student visa for the USA from India, it costs approximately $500 USD to obtain your F-1 student visa.
Can I change my F1 visa to green card? ›One option for students who are in the U.S. on F-1 visas and wish to become Green Card holders is to apply for an EB-1 visa, also known as first-preference employment-based visas. This means going from F-1 to Green Card through employment.
Can I get US citizenship while studying? ›It is allowed only after completing the first academic year. OPT activity must be related to your field of study. You must apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for an employment authorization card for OPT purposes.
Can I live in USA after study? ›Yes, absolutely. If students graduate in an undergraduate or a graduate degree program, they are eligible for the optional practical training opt, which allows the students to remain in the U.S. for one year, working in any area of their studies.
How can I convert my student visa to work permit in USA? ›
- Initial Steps: Determining H-1B Eligibility And Submitting The Labor Condition Application. ...
- Registering to Submit an H-1B Petition. ...
- Preparing Supporting Documentation for H-1B Petition. ...
- Preparing Required Forms and Filing Fees to Send USCIS. ...
- Filing the H-1B Petition With USCIS.
Foreign college students in the U.S. who come to the country to study typically get an F1 visa. But if they want to stay and work in the U.S., they have three visa options. First, there's the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program which allows them to be employed under an F1 visa for one year.
Can students work on F1 visa? ›F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
How can I convert F1 visa to H1B? ›- Find an H1B Sponsoring Employer. ...
- File an H1B Petition. ...
- File for a Cap-Gap Extension. ...
- File a Labor Condition Application. ...
- Complete Form I-129. ...
- Submit Required Documents. ...
- Need a Loan? ...
- Rohit Mittal.
Financial Sponsor - The individual, government, company or agency who is willing and able to financially support the international student. Financial support includes tuition, books, supplies, fees and living expenses for the duration of studies at the institution. More than one (1) sponsor per student is allowed.
What is the fastest way to become a U.S. citizen? ›The fastest way to become a U.S. citizen is to be born in the United States. How long do you have to live in the US to become a citizen? You may qualify for naturalization and become a U.S. citizen if you have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years. 3 years in case you are married to a U.S. citizen.
What is the fastest way to get a US green card? ›Green Card Opportunities in Family-Sponsored Visa Categories
For the family-based side of immigration, the absolute fastest way to qualify is as either the spouse, unmarried child under 21 years of age, or parent of a U.S. citizen who's over age 21.
The simplest way to get a Green Card is through the Green Card Lottery. The U.S. Department of State gives away 55,000 Green Cards through the Diversity Visa Program every year.